Organization: Oxfam Intermón
Country: Spain
Closing date: 25 Apr 2017
Innovation at OXFAM aims at identifying, prototyping, and scaling technologies and practices that strengthen OXFAM´s work for vulnerable communities. OXFAM needs to be agile and adapt to the evolving challenges affecting poverty and inequalities. One thing that is consistent: the speed at which these problems disrupt the lives of communities worldwide is only getting faster. To address these problems, OXFAM is building a network of global problem solvers who can find new ways to accelerate results that reduce inequities for poor communities. OXFAM SPAIN is launching its programmatic innovation strategy that will focus on some priority countries and sectors as part of OXFAM´s Confederation efforts on innovation. This position is based in its office in Barcelona, with eventual trips to Madrid and country offices.
As part of the innovation approach, OXFAM has been exploring how Information and Communications Technologies (ICT) can offer opportunities to develop innovative solutions to our programmes that help amplifying and improving the effectiveness of our work. This can be in terms of the way we improve systems for our field staff and the way we engage communities directly using tools readily available to them. This sort of work is known as ICT for development (ICT4D) or Technology for Development (Tech4Dev). OXFAM Spain through its Innovation and ICTs Units will be analyzing ways to provide support to country offices to incorporate ICTs as a channel for innovation.
JOB PURPOSE
The OXFAM Spain Internship Programme offers eligible/qualified students at Headquarter office the opportunity to acquire direct practical experience in OXFAM´s work under the direct supervision of experienced OXFAM staff. This internship is for the purpose of acquiring organizational knowledge of programmes and processes to supplement academic and theoretical knowledge.
Currently there is lack of an overview of our ICT4D initiatives and how to use ICT for innovation, little knowledge on what works and what doesn’t. This makes our ICT4D practice inefficient and ineffective. Under the guidance of the Quality, Knowledge and Innovation Head, this intern provides support to the capacity building component for the ICT4D
Key Responsibilities
1. Programmatic support
· Building of a portfolio of field-proven ICT4D solutions for innovation that can be quickly and easily adapted to project needs.
· In coordination and collaboration with other OXFAM´s Affiliates build a community of practice and provide technical support to country offices to identify and apply useful ICT tools for innovation.
· Recommendations on how to implement and continuously improve standard processes for ICT4D project implementation for innovation
· Well-founded recommendations as to how to build an overall strategy.
· Assist the Innovation Unit in any additional tasks, including attending and actively participate in meetings or workshops related to the innovation team organized by OXFAM and / or partners, including taking notes;
2. Research and Knowledge Management
· In coordination with other OXFAM Affiliates and Country offices, carrying out a SWOT analysis on all ICT tools currently used in our development programs and most relevant programmes of other development actors.
· Development of a comparative and benchmarking analysis on ICT tools that can help Country offices identify what tool to use and the requirements needed for it to be implemented successfully.
· Assessment of our ICT for development practice against current research
· Communication and Partnerships
· Support building a portfolio of potential tech private sector partners and on the effective relationship management with them.
· Work with partnerships team to examine the trends and opportunities that exist against the pillars of future technology that OXFAM Spain Innovation is looking at technology solutions geared towards the urban poor
· Create process maps, system diagrams, data visualization mockups and dashboard mockups that clearly communicate the main concepts, principles and stories of OXFAM Spain and Innovation projectsregional and national level.
ABOUT YOU:
Are you a passionate blogger? Do you enjoy writing stories and sharing content on social media? Do you love this blog? If so, things are looking promising already
You walk into a crowded room and feel comfortable and energized, knowing immediately who you need to talk to. You’re always told you make complex situations simple and easy to understand. You can sell ice in an igloo and can make a strategic union among parties who don’t even speak the same conceptual language.
You occasionally wake up worried about killer robots, and are interested in how mobile phones, big data, and blockchain can transform the world of international development. You have a firm handle on and interest in international relations, and a keen sense of how a large organization works.
You could respond to this job application in Haikus, iambic pentameter or Chaucerian prose, but you will instead write a crisp, clear, and informative cover letter that will stand out from the rest.
QUALIFICATION AND EXPERIENCE
Essential
· Currently enrolled in a graduate (Master’s) degree in the area related to the area related to ICTs, communication, social innovation, technology or related field.
· If in a two year programme, completed at least one year of full-time studies of the graduate degree;
· Compatible University student agreement with OXFAM Spain rules and regulations
· Excellent academic performance, as demonstrated by academic records.
· Demonstrated interest in innovation and technology for development
· Excellent written and spoken English. Working knowledge of Spanish and French.
· Sensitivity to cultural differences, and the ability to work and communicate in a wide variety of cultural contexts;
· Ability to undertake unaccompanied travel if required by the post to hardship duty stations
Desirable
· We encourage students from developing countries, especially those countries where OXFAM Spain is focusing its work.
· Some prior knowledge or experience with OXFAM mission desired
· Experience of developing multi-stakeholder processes
· Experience in capacity building
What can we offer you?
Learning experience:
• Mentoring and Supervision by Oxfam staff
• Access to Oxfam Spain training activities
• Access to a global network of experienced staff and partners at Oxfam
• Experience in applied research with societal relevance in a leading development organization
• Work experience at an internationally based NGO and a professional reference if desired
• Possibility to improve your language skills
Salary: UNPAID
Social benefits: Should be covered by the University Internship Agreement
Working place: Barcelona Head Quarters (Oxfam Intermon) with potential travel worldwide.
Starting date: As soon as possible
Applicants must – due to legal reasons – hold EU citizenship or valid EU residence permit and a valid Spanish work/student permit. Applications not meeting these conditions can unfortunately not be considered.
How to apply:
Send your CV and motivation letter to adminddci@OxfamIntermon.org. Please do specify in the cover letter your familiarity with case studies of ICT4D where technology has serve to boost innovative and sustainable solutions in developing countries. Please do clarify too, your visa status.
Please put the reference that corresponds in the subject box of the email: ref. 06-17/18
The deadline for applications is fixed on April 25th, 2017. Oxfam reserves the right to modify this date. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Oxfam is committed to the principle of equity, diversity and inclusiveness.
